MY STORY
• What is a saying, a song’s lyrics, or a joke you unknowingly got wrong?
• When is a time that you have been misunderstood? Or misunderstood someone else?
SERIES SETUP
This new message series, “The Church and…,” will cover 1 Thes. 4 and 5. In this series we will look at the Church, not just our church, but “the Church” – all Christ-followers… specifically the church in changing culture, the church in divided political times, the church in the community, and the church in the future.
• How is the church misunderstood today?
• How could our church better navigate being misunderstood in our community and time?
• As a Christ-follower, how can you be prepared to help clarify people’s misunderstandings about the church and the Bible?
DIGGING DEEPER
• Greg referenced the Houston Chronicle articles and headlines about the church and abuse. What was your level of awareness of the abuse problem in the church before the Chronicle articles?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 and pay attention to God’s instructions on sex and sexual immorality
Verse 3 says you should be sanctified and one of the ways to do this is to avoid sexual immorality. These instructions are timeless, but in our time what is considered sexual immorality has become increasingly unclear.
Verse 8 says this instruction comes from God, not man, and should not be rejected!
• In your lifetime and experience how has the church dealt with the subject of sex, sexuality, and perversions of God’s design and intent?
The sins of sexual immorality and abuse, like all sin, cause harm, hurt, and brokenness.
Read John 10:7-10 and listen to the contrast between Jesus and the enemy (the thief)
• What are some of the ways that the enemy uses sex and sexuality to “kill, steal, and destroy?”
• Abuses of sex and sexual abuse do create brokenness, but God and His grace can heal. How has God worked healing in your life and restored what has been broken (not just in regards to sex and sexual immorality)?
TAKING IT HOME
• How do you see our church diligently working to prevent sexual abuses?
• How can our church better care for the survivors of sexual abuse?